Free ranging question…

[1cock2hens]

I have about 15 chickens that free range 100%. I don't really keep count. My chickens roost in the top of my tiny barn and are free to be where they want at all times. I've had a few losses which sucked but thats life. I've killed a few predators and that definitely helped. I got a new dog which also helps I think, I'm soon to get a 3rd. I don't feed my chickens, besides 15 acres of forest to forage they just get whatever they can steel from the ducks, goats, pigs, and rabbits.

 

[raingarden]

I have about 15 chickens that free range 100%. I don't really keep count. My chickens roost in the top of my tiny barn and are free to be where they want at all times. I've had a few losses which sucked but thats life. I've killed a few predators and that definitely helped. I got a new dog which also helps I think, I'm soon to get a 3rd. I don't feed my chickens, besides 15 acres of forest to forage they just get whatever they can steel from the ducks, goats, pigs, and rabbits.

Do the reproduce on their own? Got pitchers?

 

[BellaM]

You have plenty to read here which is great. I would like to add something that could help you and others. I put pallets on cinder blocks in a few areas to give the girls shelter. I also lean one on two of my coops so they can walk under/behind it. I also built a 10 foot long pallet thing that we call the ladder. The ladder is on cinder blocks and the girls just love it. I think the point I'm trying to make is that it's really simple to create cover if need be. Best of luck

May we have a photo of The Ladder? I'm always looking for ideas ...

 

[1cock2hens]

Do the reproduce on their own? Got pitchers?

They do. I had 3 clutches of chicks hatch this last year. There are a few light brahma,
a tiny little Bantam hen I don't know the breed of and a bunch of gamefowl × saipan × Dominique pullets and stags. I will see about pics. I think I just have a few of one of my favorite roosters and 1 or 2 of some of them eating.

 

[1cock2hens]

I will ad I also currently free-range 13 goats, a couple pigs, one of my rabbits, guineas and a duck. I think they are very happy

 

[Aunt Angus]

I will ad I also currently free-range 13 goats, a couple pigs, one of my rabbits, guineas and a duck. I think they are very happy

I bet they are. It sounds awesome!

I often see pics of folks' free ranging animals and get super jealous. If there was a way I could do it and 1) keep them from neighbors' property and 2) keep predators away... I'm too much of a softie to be ok with any losses. I keep working to a better compromise. Maybe someday I'll get it right and find balance.

 

[1cock2hens]

I bet they are. It sounds awesome!

I often see pics of folks' free ranging animals and get super jealous. If there was a way I could do it and 1) keep them from neighbors' property and 2) keep predators away... I'm too much of a softie to be ok with any losses. I keep working to a better compromise. Maybe someday I'll get it right and find balance.

I luckily don't have neighbors, just a road I struggle to keep them out of lol I'm getting a working dog this week though with hopes of teaching it to keep them away from the road. / losses are hard but it's life.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I was wanting to free range my flock, but after talking with the neighbor, opted to hold still until I can fence in an area of my yard for supervised free ranging. She started off with 20 hens and is down to 9 due to the 2 hawks, a falcon and 2 eagles that frequent the area. We have 12 acres, so we should have plenty of roaming space for the girls, but like I said, not until I can fence in an area. I've seen tractor tunnels, or whatever they are called, that I may consider to allow access to areas away from their coop.

i too have put much thought into a tractor tunnel. if properly crafted I think its a must because the chickens get: Exercise, stimulation, nutrition, and probably really happy. If only chickens could smile to tell us how they really feel. Stotic little buggers they are

 

[raingarden]

The cheapest way to enclose a large area and exclude raptors is knotted netting suspended by posts and guy wires. About $2 per square foot.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I do not free range my girls. I have 6 and 4 of them are 7 months old, the other two are 5 months. We have hawks and owls that fly over us daily. They have a big protected run (10 x 14’), so they get plenty of outside time. Anyone free ranging? I am curious as to whether I am just being over protective or should leave it as is. Thanks

I free range mine about 4-6 hrs a day. NEVER unattended so it takes a bunch of my daily hours. I use my time wisely while outside. Wanna see the rock wall I built this winter?! Lol. But seriously, free ranging imo is necessary for a thriving, healthy flock. Their free range time gives them SO much exercise, stimulation, and nutrition. Its the best thing I do for them. I have 5 hens that are 2yrs this May and we have a routine we have developed together and after a full year, the girls visit one of 5 locations. I let them walk me to their spot, and once they settle in that location, i keep close either doing an outdoor chore, or, pull up a chair. The hens have made it clear that they like early morning free range, and late day free range the best, and a couple short walks in the afternoon. Our favorite time is the 2 hrs before roost time. We have hawks that visit daily to see if I'm not paying attention. Once i start swinging my arms and shouting, the hawk gets the idea. NOT TODAY buddy! Eyes OFF my hens! Every free range is a serious adventure. Good luck!